“meKaniKdolls” — photo by Diego Cupolo

For me, Sunday’s BETA Spaces art festival began in the staircase of an old warehouse on Melrose Street.

At first, all I could hear was the high-pitched squeal of a rusty bicycle wheel and sporadic, synthesized bass beats. Curiosity was sparked and I continued up the stairs until I was bombarded with more complex images than my mind could comprehend — a blue wig, electrical wires, yellow fairy wings, hundreds of knobs, a projector from the Chicago Department of Education aimed at my face and hot pink and black stripped leggings coming out of a giant diaper that was tied to the ceiling.

My eyes scrambled to piece together these bizarre objects so they could reassure my adrenal glands that everything was in control. I spotted a banner above the scene that read “meKaniKdolls” and my lips eased into a smile as a hand came out of the giant diaper to sprinkle glitter on the floor.

After being properly introduced to the day’s events I entered the Labyrinth, a four-story loft space for artists, and relished in the feeling of being captured by the unexpected stairwell performance. If one of the purposes of art is to induce emotion, then the meKaniKdolls were on key along with the 20 other shows organized by Arts in Bushwick — the creators of Bushwick Open Studios.

“Entaglement is good, Entanglement is great” — photo by Diego Cupolo

The event featured work from hundreds of artists “on the rise” within a 10-block radius. To prepare, Bushwick residents converted their living rooms, bedrooms, studios and outdoor spaces into exhibits for a wide array of art.

“BETA Spaces is unlike Open Studios because it’s more about artistic collaboration and having people promote their friends’ work by showing their pieces together,” said Lucas Cometto, a Williamsburg resident. “It’s great because you get a taste of different kinds of art in relatively small spaces and really get to experience the Bushwick arts community.”

Throughout the pleasant fall afternoon, I traveled from space to space where I was either surprised by my neighbors’ talents or jealous of their spacious lofts. I didn’t get to see as many shows as I wanted because of a previous engagement, but I did get to end my tour on the same note that it began: confused…

Confused in a good way, that is, by Jason Peters’ amazing use of one-gallon plastic buckets at the English Kills art gallery. Titled “George,” the interconnected glowing bucket serpents are suspended above mirrors in a dark room — a sight that felt unearthly and absolutely marvelous.

“George” at English Kills Gallery — photo by Diego Cupolo

There were rumors that a reporter from the Washington Post was dipping into the BETA Spaces exhibits, which only provides greater evidence that cooperation among local artists will draw more attention. Paul D’Agostino, host of the “Entanglement is Good, Entanglement is Great” show, said more than 300 people came to his exhibit and that he thoroughly enjoys volunteering for Arts in Bushwick.

“This event is much more informal than anything you’ll find in most places, including Williamsburg,” Agostino said. “I mean, this is where I live and I’m basically having a free show that features my work, what could be better?”

Related: Joel Myers on BETA Spaces